In 2023, the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District (CSLRCD) was awarded funding from the California Department of Working Lands and Riparian Corridors Program to implement the Stenner Creek Watershed Enhancement Project. This project is an extension of a planning grant received from the Department of Conservation in 2022 that funded the development of the Stenner Creek Erosion Control and Sediment Reduction Plan on Cal Poly’s Serrano and Peterson Ranches to reduce the impact of legacy ranch roads on aquatic habitat and water quality.

Despite sustainable rangeland management, legacy infrastructure poses ongoing challenges for land managers and aquatic resources. Sediment accumulation from road networks negatively affects the gravel substrate vital for Steelhead spawning in Stenner Creek. The degradation of aquatic habitat and accessibility issues for both rangeland and recreational resources will be addressed through this project.

Objectives
1. Erosion Control and Sediment Reduction: Implement erosion control and erosion prevention treatments to address sediment loads, to enhance Steelhead spawning habitat.
2. Storm-Proofing Roads: Improve water quality and accessibility by storm-proofing roads, providing immediate benefits to the riparian corridor and aquatic habitat.
3. Long-Term Impact: Ensure that future road-related erosion minimally impacts the biological productivity of the watershed.

Stenner Creek and its main tributary, Brizzolara Creek, play a crucial role in supporting populations of threatened South-Central California Coast Steelhead. Excessive fine sediment input has been a persistent issue impacting the spawning and rearing habitat of these Steelhead populations. This project aims to reduce the sediment loading in the Stenner Creek while maintaining infrastructure and public access. Implementation is expected to begin in summer 2024.

During implementation many of the roads and trails will be temporarily closed to through traffic. For updates and current road closures please check this link: https://stennercreekwatershedproject.wordpress.com/2024/05/21/coastal-san-luis-resource-conservation-district-project-in-stenner-creek/

Partners: Cal Poly, Pacific Watershed Associates
Funders: California Department of Conservation
RCD Contact: Hayley Barnes, hbarnes@coastalrcd.org